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epiphany48 — SAVIOR.

Published: 2012-08-03 20:04:09 +0000 UTC; Views: 7226; Favourites: 483; Downloads: 54
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Description "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

He saved me, remade me, and has given me a hope eternal. Sometimes it's easy to forget that we are blessed beyond reason by a God who loved us so much He died on a cross just to prove it. I owe everything I am to my Savior.

Background Stock Used: [link]
__________

Well now, this certainly caused more of a commotion than I had ever anticipated. I’m glad this caught so many people’s attention, though, because that means I did something right. And I assure you, the encouragment and support I've received far outweighs the hate.

For a world, however, that seems to be all about wanting tolerance and being accepting of others, I admit I was surprised by the lack thereof that this work received.

Now, I realize that some people are not mature enough to know when to keep their comments to themselves, but I want to thank everyone who had something helpful, or at least reasonable, to say. This includes anyone who extended and asked for tolerance, anyone who gave me pointers on how I could improve my art (without the intention of being hurtful), and of course anyone who was either supportive or encouraging of this piece. Not everyone in those categories agreed with or shared my beliefs, but they were respectful and mature about it, and for that I am grateful.

And I figured I should at least address some of the comments that seemed painfully repetitive:

-Concerning the quality of this work: Yes, this is just white text on a stock background, but please take into consideration that, metaphorically speaking, the content of the letter often matters more to people than the paper it was written on. I don’t have the resources to put together something others might consider front-page-worthy and I never asked for this to even be on the front page, but I'm not about to apologize for it. The purpose of this piece was me speaking honestly from my heart and acknowledging what Jesus has done for me, and I don't feel that that's something I should be sorry for.

-Jesus was-and always will be-the name I intended to be in this piece; not parents, not sex, and not some other god. So in regards to any comment that says otherwise, please stop asking me to correct something that was never a mistake to begin with.

And finally a word to anyone planning on leaving any kind of comment on this piece: Your input (whether it’s constructive, positive, negative, pointless, hateful, etc.) is a reflection on you and this website, not me. So by all means, leave your thoughts in the comments, but don’t expect me to be at all injured by them. (That last sentence was mainly for those whose comments are blatantly unnecessary.)

I am not ashamed, intimidated, or discouraged; I just expected more from the DA community in terms of tolerance. To everyone who was respectful/supportive, Thank You.

I will continue to do my best to be considerate of other's opinions, but I know who I am in Christ, and I'm not at all reluctant to give Him the glory He deserves.
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Comments: 711

autsdraws [2013-06-21 14:56:32 +0000 UTC]

Amen.

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ValentinexPlushie [2013-06-20 10:29:48 +0000 UTC]

I'd rather be non-existent then go to hell.
If god doesn't like sin he could have made it non existent.
So sin was in a tree.
Destroy the freaking tree.

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rakaru [2013-03-26 02:55:20 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, the omnipotent, creator of everything had to sacrifice himself, to himself to make a loophole for a rule he created. Sounds like a bunch of bullshit.

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OccvltvsClothing In reply to rakaru [2014-04-23 02:49:58 +0000 UTC]

You said it!

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epiphany48 In reply to rakaru [2013-04-04 00:38:13 +0000 UTC]

I'm sorry you see it that way.
All I know is that Jesus changed my life for the better, and I never want to go back to who I was before. Who I am today just isn't possible without Him, and since DA is about expressing yourself, that's exactly what I did.
Although our views are clearly very different, I wish nothing but peace for you

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rakaru In reply to epiphany48 [2014-04-23 02:53:00 +0000 UTC]

I didn't get a notification for this (at least not that I remember).
But, though I do appreciate your views, I just to say that you changed yourself, don't let someone else (existent or not) take credit for you personal strength to change.

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epiphany48 In reply to rakaru [2014-04-28 05:55:30 +0000 UTC]

I understand what you're saying, and you have a valid point. People are strong, and when they change themselves and their lives it takes considerable effort on their part which is definitely commendable. It's just that for me, I freely give God the credit. The desire to change and the choice to follow through with it are both me doing my part, I just feel that my seeking God's help and trusting His promises has given me the strength and motivation to get where I am today. I know plenty of people turn their lives around without ever looking to God for help or strength, it's just what I did personally and so it felt right to credit Him.
That wasn't the easiest thing to explain, but I hope it made sense.
I also hope you're doing well

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rakaru In reply to epiphany48 [2014-04-28 06:01:20 +0000 UTC]

Of course it makes sense, you got strength from this belief and it helped you in your change. I'm sure anyone who felt that way would give credit to whom they felt credit was owned.
I am happy you are in a better place than where ever you were at before, regardless of whom you give credit to.
Good day, friendo.

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TabiCat2012 [2013-01-29 03:11:54 +0000 UTC]

Amen!

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Mossheart45 [2012-10-28 07:16:08 +0000 UTC]

So true.

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GRIPFAST70 [2012-09-19 10:33:44 +0000 UTC]

I applaud your Holy boldness and faith. Do not change for anyone. To Jesus Christ be all the glory.

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SolarisRedemption [2012-08-11 14:40:43 +0000 UTC]

That just blessed me so much

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BleedingSparrow [2012-08-10 00:38:07 +0000 UTC]

God bless[link]

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kns10430 [2012-08-06 21:48:20 +0000 UTC]

So true! God bless!

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HamiPassion [2012-08-06 01:44:04 +0000 UTC]

I've been struggling a little bit with my faith lately, and this made me smile

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epiphany48 In reply to HamiPassion [2012-08-06 05:05:47 +0000 UTC]

I'm glad
And I encourage you not to lose hope, we all face struggles in life, but we never face them alone

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HamiPassion In reply to epiphany48 [2012-08-06 15:58:16 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, I am trying my best

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ultimatesol [2012-08-05 23:16:31 +0000 UTC]

i have huge faith for Jesus Chris but this picture just propaganda..

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epiphany48 In reply to ultimatesol [2012-08-06 04:58:15 +0000 UTC]

I'm sorry you see it that way, but that was never my intention.

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hemulenssis [2012-08-04 20:21:51 +0000 UTC]

As I see it, this is a piece of art digging deeper than it might seem at first sight. With this particular background it is more complete than with any other! : ) Deep yet simple artwork you have done. I respect you for being able to be this straightforward and honest about the message of God. I wish I could see more of these on the front page!

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epiphany48 In reply to hemulenssis [2012-08-05 03:19:30 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much
God Bless!

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ShizukaCho [2012-08-04 20:10:54 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for standing up for what you believe in! I think it's awesome that you posted this! and I love how much people have responded too (even if some are not so positive about it) You inspire me!

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epiphany48 In reply to ShizukaCho [2012-08-05 03:22:17 +0000 UTC]

It was my pleasure and I'm glad you were inspired
God Bless!

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Kyr-Anton [2012-08-04 20:09:25 +0000 UTC]

So fun to watch you christians rally like that.

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HostileCobalt In reply to Kyr-Anton [2012-08-05 00:10:25 +0000 UTC]

Were you referring to the comments or the artwork?

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ShiveringRain [2012-08-04 20:07:55 +0000 UTC]

^_^

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epiphany48 In reply to ShiveringRain [2012-08-05 03:22:38 +0000 UTC]

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Axeraider70 [2012-08-04 20:03:55 +0000 UTC]

Many of my friends are atheists, and it saddens me greatly because they are wonderful people. Their time could come any day, and when that day comes they will have to answer for the decisions they've made.

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epiphany48 In reply to Axeraider70 [2012-08-05 03:26:24 +0000 UTC]

I think we've all been there, but by trusting God and putting our faith in Him, hearts will be changed for the better
Don't ever lose hope for those you care about
God Bless!

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Axeraider70 In reply to epiphany48 [2012-08-05 15:44:21 +0000 UTC]

This is true God bless!

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drawingdiego [2012-08-04 20:00:44 +0000 UTC]

You must understand, YOU give yourself confidence and bravery. Not some divine figure. YOU. It's all you. If only people realized their true potential...

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HostileCobalt In reply to drawingdiego [2012-08-05 00:11:36 +0000 UTC]

But even so, it still gives her courage because she believes in Him. There's nothing wrong with that.

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drawingdiego In reply to HostileCobalt [2012-08-05 01:01:15 +0000 UTC]

There is something wrong with that. Ultimately, she herself provides the courage alone. No one else. Believing in someone or something else to give you courage eliminates the power within herself. She will become dependent on him. You must NEVER depend on an outside source for courage. You must be self-reliant and depend on yourself! Only by doing this will you realize the TRUE power of human potential.

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epiphany48 In reply to drawingdiego [2012-08-05 03:00:05 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for believing in me. I appreciate your view on human potential, and I agree that it is ultimately our own choices that decide where we go in life, but for me personally, I've failed myself and others too many times to try and live that way. I'm happy to depend on His strength, as you are happy to depend on yours.

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drawingdiego In reply to epiphany48 [2012-08-05 03:12:03 +0000 UTC]

I'm sorry that you've failed but i'm glad to see you've found strength regardless. That's the most important thing, I suppose.

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Megaman90 [2012-08-04 20:00:13 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for posting this. not many on Deviantart post things that are true from the heart. God bless you for sharing it. and don't be bothered by rude or hurtful comments. I leave you with this.

John 15:18 "If the world hate you, know that it has hated me before you."

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epiphany48 In reply to Megaman90 [2012-08-05 03:12:54 +0000 UTC]

It was my pleasure to do so, and I have absolutely no regrets, because despite the hate a lot of people have shown, the support and encouragment from people like you reminds me that I am far from alone in this
Thank you for the scripture, it's exactly what I needed
God Bless!

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Megaman90 In reply to epiphany48 [2012-08-05 06:02:11 +0000 UTC]

haha no thank you! and for this God will truly bless you for just reminding others of his existance. we all tend to forget there is something much bigger and meaningful to this life and the next. God takes great Joy when you talk about him to others. He is always there for you. He calls his children his beloved. imagine that haha God has never failed me and I know he'll do the same for you.

Here's a video I like to share with you and anyone to wishes to watch it. for those who are confused with religion and Jesus.

youtu.be/1IAhDGYlpqY

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epiphany48 In reply to Megaman90 [2012-08-05 23:43:46 +0000 UTC]

God is faithful to His promises, that's for sure, and I couldn't even begin to imagine my life without Him
And that video is amazing, thank you for sharing

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Blue-on-the-Run [2012-08-04 19:59:05 +0000 UTC]

This has just made my day!

Every day I see a lot of works that probably took two minutes to slap together, and carry rather hateful messages. But this right here, no matter how simple some may think it is, holds more power than anything I've seen on dA's front page in ages.

Thank you for having the guts to post this, even though the deviantArt community has proven to be incredibly rude when it comes to Christian values. God bless you!

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epiphany48 In reply to Blue-on-the-Run [2012-08-05 03:15:14 +0000 UTC]

I'm glad to hear it
Thank you for your encouragment, my friend, and God bless you too!

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Cerperi [2012-08-04 19:55:19 +0000 UTC]

I don't believe in god, but you have all my supports for those atheist pricks who keeps on insulting you. I would understand if you had wrote something like "Jesus hates gays" or other hateful messages that are seen in internet, but your message is only for love, and those feelings should always be respected
(Sorry for my bad english)

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epiphany48 In reply to Cerperi [2012-08-05 03:16:50 +0000 UTC]

I sincerely appreciate your support, thank you

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SkyrenWolf In reply to Cerperi [2012-08-04 20:10:49 +0000 UTC]

Agreed.

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Kawaiikutie778 [2012-08-04 19:53:15 +0000 UTC]

Amen to that!

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epiphany48 In reply to Kawaiikutie778 [2012-08-05 03:32:03 +0000 UTC]


God Bless!

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Kawaiikutie778 In reply to epiphany48 [2012-08-05 06:19:12 +0000 UTC]

You too!

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Zenight [2012-08-04 19:48:48 +0000 UTC]

Wonderful! It's quite refreshing to see something pro-God on the front page from time to time. Well done

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epiphany48 In reply to Zenight [2012-08-05 03:32:32 +0000 UTC]

Thank you
God Bless!

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colorful-soup [2012-08-04 19:46:46 +0000 UTC]

Amen!

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